Author: On Common Ground News

A day after burying his 90-year-old mother, Georgia Democratic State Rep. Vernon Jones dropped a bombshell today announcing his support for the re-election of Republican President Donald Trump. Jones, who is on the ballot seeking re-election for House District 91, was immediately denounced by the Democratic Party of Georgia Chairwoman Nikema Williams. In this report, Williams statement follows Jones’ 352-word statement about his support for Trump. Jones issued the following statement: “President Trump is the most action-oriented president of my lifetime. He is the leader our country needed. The results speak for themselves. With his hand on the wheel, the…

Georgia Gov. Kemp prays for tornado victims, provides update on COVID-19 ATLANTA—Today (April 13), Gov. Kemp called on residents to join him in praying for the families of the seven Georgians who lost their lives and 49 others injured by tornadoes that touched down on Sunday. Kemp said he declared a state of emergency this morning for all 159 Georgia counties so that critically-needed resources could be provided to the seven counties where the tornados hit. Kemp also reported there are now 13,315 COVID-19 cases in Georgia and 464 deaths. Kemp said that over the weekend, the state executed a…

On Thursday, April 16, the Health Department for Gwinnett, Newton and Rockdale counties will open a drive-through COVID-19 test site at the Georgia International Horse Park in Conyers. Due to increased testing capacity, up to 300 appointments will be scheduled daily for anyone who thinks they may be ill with COVID-19. While the Health Department requires a scheduled appointment to test individuals, referral from a doctor is not necessary. “We look forward to piloting this large-scale test site,” said Dr. Audrey Arona, district health director and CEO of Gwinnett, Newton and Rockdale County Health Departments. “This is a fantastic collaboration…

The City of Atlanta’s Mayor’s Office of Cultural Affairs (OCA) seeks exceptional visual artworks to feature in our 2020 Art Village for the 43rd annual Atlanta Jazz Festival. The festival will select the works of artists whose art highlights the legacy and influence of jazz, and its contribution to world culture. Artists interested in this opportunity have until Monday, April 20, 2020, by 5 PM EST to submit their work. To celebrate not only the music but also the visual components of jazz culture, we seek submissions for this year’s Artist Village that showcase jazz or music themes in a visually engaging…

Stonecrest City Councilman George Turner will host a Census Complete Count Committee meeting on Thursday, April 16, 6 to 7 p.m. Turner, who heads the city’s Complete Count Committee, is inviting the community to join the teleconference. The committee will provide updates and discuss efforts that the city of Stonecrest is making to encourage every resident to answer the 2020 Census. Stonecres, which has an estimated population of 54,000 residents, has had a 39.6 percent response rate so far, according to recent statistics from the U.S. Census. The neighboring cities of Lithonia has had a 36.5 percent response rate,…

The DeKalb County State Court Traffic Division is suspending all non-essential hearings until further notice, due to COVID-19 mandates by Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp. DeKalb Superior Court Chief Judge Asha Jackson announced the following order today(April 13): All Traffic Court hearings scheduled from March 16 through May 13 have been suspended until further notice. These court dates will be rescheduled, and a notice of a new court date will be mailed. Please do not appear at Court during this period. WHAT ARE YOUR OPTIONS? The court will maintain enough staff to process certain case closure requests during the hours…

Board of Elections Director Cynthia Willingham, Rockdale County Post 1 Commissioner Sherri Washington Rockdale County Post 1 Commissioner Sherri Washington and Board of Elections Director Cynthia Willingham will host a Facebook Live Town Hall: “Upcoming Elections and Changes” on Wednesday, April 15, 7 p.m. Tune in and learn more about the county’s efforts to keep you informed about the upcoming local and national elections during this pandemic.  Commissioner Washington and Director Willingham will take questions and comments via chat on all aspects of election process in Rockdale County. Join the Facebook Live Town Halllivestream at https://www.facebook.com/sherrilenesqx3

The DeKalb County School District has released the names of its Valedictorians and Salutatorians for the 2020 school year. “We are very proud of each of you for your commitment to academic excellence! As you prepare to pursue your dreams and goals beyond high school, remember the words of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., “Intelligence plus character—that is the goal of true education.” As you begin your next chapter, I challenge you and encourage you to continue to SOAR!,” Interim Superintendent Ramona Tyson posted on the school district’s web site. School Valedictorian Salutatorian Arabia Mountain High School Magnet –…

NEWS UPDATE:   MAJIC 107.5/97.5 posted on its web site Sunday night (April 12).  “On behalf of the family of Ryan Cameron, we are asking for your fervent prayers as he recovers from emergency surgery that took place earlier this week. We ask for privacy during this difficult time. Thank you for your love and concern. “ –Ryan Cameron Family On Common Ground News has received reports that Atlanta radio legend Ryan Cameron is hospitalized in critical condition after having a heart attack. Frank Ski (left) sent up prayers for Cameron today, Easter Sunday, in a Facebook post.

Households across the country have received invitations to complete the 2020 census, but people aren’t necessarily rushing to respond—despite sheltering at home as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. Nationally, just 47.5 percent of households have responded to the census so far, according to data released by the U.S. Census on April 10. The state of Georgia closely mirrored the national response rate with a 45.5 percent response rate, the data shows. As of April 10, the response rate for the following counties: Gwinnett:  51.5 percent Cobb:        50.8 percent DeKalb:    46.8 percent Fulton:    …